Vladimir Putin congratulates French President on his jubilee

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated his French counterpart Jacques Chirac on his anniversary, the Kremlin's press service said.

"Russia values your long-term contribution into the development of relations between our countries and nations and your striving for further consolidation of the bases of Russian-French strategic partnership," reads the presidential message of congratulation.

"I have a chance to express my gratitude to you for the strong political impulse of the French government, aimed at the development of multilateral cooperation with Russia," the Russian president noted.

"I am convinced that your state wisdom, will and high creative energy will be expressed in new achievements for the welfare of France, security and cooperation in Europe," Vladimir Putin stressed.

On Friday Jacques Chirac turned seventy.